2011 New York Readers' Choice Winners

Don't be confused by this week's Back Stage. If it looks a little different, that's because we're announcing the winners of our annual Readers' Choice Awards. Since 2006, we've asked our readers for their top choices among headshot photographers, acting teachers and coaches, reproduction houses, etc. Before 2010, we printed the results for New York and Los Angeles in separate issues. But last year we decided to combine your choices for the two acting capitals in one issue. It was such a hit, we've done it again. You're looking at the New York section now; for Los Angeles, just flip it over and turn it upside down.

For New York, there are both new winners and repeat victors from previous years. Among the latter is Ripley-Grier Studios, which has won the award for favorite rehearsal studio every time the category has been offered. "It has helped validate the philosophy that we use to design our studio and create a comfortable, nurturing space for clients to come to, especially actors who may be a little bit jittery about auditioning," says Patricia Ripley, co-owner of the studios with Butch Grier. "Every time the Readers' Choice Awards are coming up, we let our clients know about it and we get a great response."

Thanks to the entire Back Stage staff on both coasts, who worked so hard in putting this issue together; to all of you who made your voices heard by voting for your favorites; and to all the winners and runners-up, who help our readers achieve their career goals.

David Sheward, Executive Editor, New York

Favorite On-Camera Teacher: Rosalyn Coleman WilliamsRosalyn Coleman Williams learned a great deal from the people who taught her and wanted to pass that knowledge along, but also because she was dissatisfied with many of the training programs available to young actors.

Favorite Rehearsal Studio: Ripley-Grier StudiosA family-operated business, run by Patricia Ripley and Butch Grier, the studios were designed utilizing feng shui principles, resulting in an open-feeling space with generous use of plants, light, and color.

Favorite Dialect Coach: Kohli CalhounOver the course of her career, she has worked on film, television, and theater projects. She currently teaches voice, speech, and dialects at NYU and serves as a dialect coach at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.